International travel and health

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Tuberculosis

Vaccine

All versions of the BCG vaccine are based on live, attenuated
mycobacterial strains descended from the original, attenuated bacillus
CalmetteGuérin. The vaccine is administered intradermally and can
be given simultaneously with other childhood vaccines. BCG vaccine is contraindicated for individuals with severely impaired immunity
and individuals with HIV infection.

BCG vaccine is of very limited use for travellers. In the first year of
life it provides good protection against severe forms of TB (miliary
TB and meningitis). In countries with high TB prevalence, infants are
generally immunized with a single dose of BCG as soon after birth as
possible. Children who are known to be HIV-infected, even if
asymptomatic, should not be immunized with BCG vaccine. Other
protective benefits of the vaccine are uncertain. One dose of BCG
should be considered for unvaccinated infants travelling from an area
of low incidence to one of high incidence.

Many industrialized countries with a low incidence of TB have ceased
giving BCG routinely to neonates.